The top coat is the essential final step to achieving a flawless and long-lasting manicure. Whether you are a fan of gel, regular nail polish, or semi-permanent, the top coat is an indispensable ally to provide that shiny (or matte!) finish and long-lasting hold for your nails. But what exactly does it do? How should you apply it? Which types of top coats should you choose depending on your preferences and needs? Let’s dive into this guide to discover everything you need to know and say goodbye to polish that chips too quickly!
Why is the Top Coat Essential?
Protection and Durability of Nail Polish
Shine and Professional Finish
The top coat provides that glossy finish we all love, giving an instant “salon-fresh” effect. It smooths the surface of the polish, making colors more vibrant and uniform, with an ultra-glamorous finish.
With one simple step, your manicure goes from basic to fabulous, and your nails shine brightly, ready to catch the light and compliments!
What's the Difference Between Top Coat and Base Coat?
The top coat and base coat are both essential for a flawless manicure, but they play very different roles. The base coat, applied first, acts as a protective layer between the nail and the polish. It protects the nail from polish pigments, prevents stains, and improves color adhesion. Some base coats also contain nourishing ingredients to strengthen the nails and prepare them for the manicure.
In contrast, the top coat is applied at the final stage to seal and protect the color. It adds a glossy (or matte, depending on the type) finish and extends the wear of the polish by making it more resistant to bumps and wear. In short, the base coat prepares and protects the nail, while the top coat ensures durability and enhances the aesthetic of the manicure.
What Types of Top Coats Should You Choose?
Classic Top Coats
Advantages and Limitations of Classic Top Coats
However, they also have limitations. The wear of classic top coats is generally less durable compared to semi-permanent top coats, as they don’t withstand bumps or water as well. Additionally, their protective effect often fades after a few days, sometimes requiring reapplication to maintain shine and durability.
Semi-Permanent Top Coats
Semi-permanent top coats, often used in professional salons, offer long-lasting wear that can last up to two weeks. They are applied similarly to gel and require an UV or LED lamp to cure. This type of top coat is ideal for those who want a manicure that withstands daily wear, even with frequent contact with water.
How to Apply Semi-Permanent Top Coats
Removal and Nail Care
After removing a semi-permanent manicure, it’s advisable to nourish and hydrate the nails with oils and creams since this type of product can dry out the nails.
Matte Top Coats
Matte top coats can be used with any polish color and are especially popular for nail art.
How to Achieve a Matte Effect
Applying a matte top coat is similar to applying a classic top coat. After applying and allowing your color polish to dry, simply add a layer of matte top coat. It removes the shine and leaves a smooth, soft finish. To maximize the matte effect, make sure each layer of polish is completely dry before applying the top coat.
How to Apply Your Top Coat Perfectly?
Applying a top coat may seem easy, but to achieve a professional and long-lasting finish, there are some steps and tips you should know. Whether you're a beginner or an expert in manicure, following these tips will help you get a smooth, shiny, and long-lasting result.
Key Steps for Application
- Prepare the Nails: Before you start, make sure your nails are clean and dry. Remove any traces of previous polish with an acetone-free remover to avoid drying out your nails. Lightly file and buff the surface for better adhesion.
Apply the Base Coat: The base coat is a crucial step to protect your nails and ensure better color retention. Apply a thin layer of base coat and let it dry completely before moving on to the colored polish. This protective layer also prevents the color from staining your nails and improves the adhesion of the color.
Apply the Colored Polish: Once the base coat is dry, apply your colored polish in thin layers to avoid bubbles. Wait for each layer to dry completely before applying the next one for a smooth and uniform result.
Apply the Top Coat: Once the color is dry, apply a thin layer of top coat from the base of the nail to the tip. Make sure to seal the free edge of the nail by passing the brush horizontally across the end. This will help prevent chipping and extend the life of your manicure.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying Too Thick Layers: This can cause bubbles and uneven drying. It's better to apply several thin layers rather than one thick coat.
Not Waiting for Full Drying Between Layers: Patience is key to avoid smudging. Make sure the polish is completely dry before adding a new layer or top coat.
Shaking the Top Coat Bottle: This can create air bubbles in the product. It’s better to gently roll the bottle between your hands to mix the product without introducing air.
Manicure Tips
- Use a High-Quality Top Coat: Not all top coats are created equal. Investing in a good quality top coat truly makes a difference for a smoother and longer-lasting finish.
Hydrate Your Nails and Cuticles: Keeping your cuticles and nails hydrated enhances the appearance of your manicure and extends its wear. Cuticle oil is perfect for this and can be applied daily.
Reapply Top Coat Every Two Days: To prolong your manicure, apply a fresh layer of top coat every two days. This helps maintain the shine and protects against everyday wear.
Avoid Hot Water Immediately After Application: Hot water can cause the polish to swell and chip more quickly. Try to keep your hands away from water during the first few hours after application.
Can You Use a Top Coat Alone?
Use as a Nail Care Polish
When applied alone, the top coat can act as a transparent polish that strengthens and protects the nail. Some top coats are enriched with beneficial ingredients for nail health. When used without colored polish, they can help protect nails from external aggressions (like water, chemicals, or minor shocks) while providing a glossy, well-groomed finish.
This application is perfect for those who prefer a natural look but still want to maintain a polished appearance. A top coat applied alone is also ideal for individuals with fragile nails who want to discreetly strengthen them. Moreover, the top coat applied alone is easy to remove and reapply regularly, allowing you to keep your nails clean and healthy.
Benefits and Precautions
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Benefits: Using a top coat alone provides slight protection and a natural shine to the nails. For those who prefer a matte finish, some top coats can create this effect even without colored polish underneath.
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Precautions: While a top coat alone has benefits, it does not protect the nails in the same way as a specific treatment or hardener. If your nails are very brittle, it may be better to use a product specifically formulated to strengthen them before applying a top coat.
For example, if you're caring for damaged nails, it's better to use a strengthening serum like Poderm's Striated, Brittle, and Split Nails Serum. This natural hardener deeply nourishes and strengthens nails and cuticles damaged by external aggressions.
Additionally, some top coats may slightly yellow over time, especially when applied directly onto the nails without a base coat underneath.
How to Choose the Right Top Coat: Our Tips
Choosing the right top coat can make a huge difference in achieving a flawless and long-lasting manicure. It's not just about shine, but also about protecting and caring for the nails. Here are key factors to consider when choosing a top coat that suits your needs.
Key Features of a Perfect Top Coat
A good top coat should extend the longevity of your manicure by protecting it from shocks, water, and daily wear. The Top Coat Color Care excels in this area, offering an ultra-shiny finish that stays impeccable day after day. Its formula is designed to enhance the durability of the polish, reducing chipping and the need for frequent touch-ups.
The Top Coat Color Care also allows the nails to remain breathable, which is especially beneficial for nails that need extra care. This breathable property helps keep your nails healthy while extending the wear of the polish.
Enriched with Tea Tree, Silica, and Biotin
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Tea Tree has purifying and sanitizing properties, improving the appearance of yellowed or damaged nails.
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Silica and Biotin strengthen and nourish nails, promoting their growth and resilience.
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Keratin, a protein that makes up 80% of the nail, ensures strength and a healthy structure.
The Top Coat Color Care enriched with Tea Tree, Silica, and Biotin is more than just a protective layer; it actually cares for your nails.
Top Coat Color Care and Color Strong are excellent choices for those looking for a top coat that combines performance and care. The precise brush perfectly adapts to the nail shape, ensuring an even application and a professional result. Whether used to seal a colored polish or alone, these top coats offer elegant shine while keeping your nails healthy.
What Nail Polish to Apply Under Your Top Coat?
The Color Care range is an excellent choice in this regard. In addition to being breathable, these polishes are enriched with natural ingredients like Tea Tree, Silica, and Biotin, which offer purifying and nourishing benefits. These polishes are perfect for damaged or yellowed nails, helping to clarify and revitalize them. They also offer UV protection and hide imperfections, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with fragile nails or those prone to fungal infections.
With a palette of 23 shades and a formula free from harsh chemicals, Color Care polishes are designed to beautify, protect, and care for your nails. Complete your manicure with the base coat and top coat from the same range for optimal results.
Discover Poderm's Top Coat
Color Care: Purifies, Clarifies, and Nourishes
Ideal for yellowed and damaged nails, Top Coat Color Care acts as a true treatment in addition to its protective role. Its formula, enriched with purifying and nourishing active ingredients, helps restore the natural radiance of nails while delivering an elegant shine.
Color Strong: Strengthens and Regenerates
Specially designed for brittle and fragile nails, Top Coat Color Strong prevents chipping and extends the wear of nail polish. Thanks to its strengthening properties, it reinforces the nails and helps them regain their full resilience.
How to choose between Color Care and Color Strong?
If your nails are yellowed and damaged, choose Top Coat Color Care for its purifying and nourishing effect. If your nails are brittle and fragile, Top Coat Color Strong is your best ally to strengthen and protect them over time.
In both cases, these top coats ensure flawless shine and long-lasting wear for your manicure.
